Life beyond Radford
Jess MacIntosh
- Bachelor Degree, Western Sydney University, Human Resources & Industrial Relations, 2013-2006
- Group Head of People & Culture, Fitness & Lifestyle Group, 2017-Present
- Head of People & Culture
What does life look for you now?
After leaving Canberra to complete tertiary studies in Sydney, I moved to Brisbane to chase the sunshine and join my family. 11 years on Brisbane is still home along with my partner and 6 month old Labradoodle, Alfie.
Having always been interested in health and fitness, my passion and career aligned in 2015 when I was headhunted for a senior HR role for Goodlife Health Clubs (one of Australia's largest fitness businesses). 2 years into a role that I adore, I was promoted to the Head of People & Culture for Goodlife's parent company, the Fitness & Lifestyle Group. In this role I now oversee the HR functions for not only Goodlife, but also Fitness First Aus, Go Health Clubs, HYPOXI AUS/USA and Jetts AUS/NZ/ASIA.
Tell us what you are passionate about?
I am extremely passionate about my work and the fact that the 'product/service' we sell improves the health and wellbeing of everyday Australians. Fitness is a massive part of my lifestyle also - I train most days, with a particular love of weight lifting and crossfit style workouts.My dog Alfie is also right up there along with spending quality time with my beautiful friends and family.
When you were young, what were you hoping to be when you grew up?
I moved between wanting to be a Marine Biologist and an Interior Designer though neither ever got off the ground.
What is your favourite Radford moment?
There were so many fantastic moments at Radford! I loved the sports carnivals and also participating in the rowing regattas in both Canberra and Sydney.
How easy was it to decide what to do in life?
Not as easy as I'd hoped if I'm honest. I didn't go straight to uni and I wasn't sure what I wanted to study. Instead I went to a private business college in Sydney for the first 2 years of my tertiary studies. I studied a Advanced Diploma of Business Management and Marketing which contained a HR subject - I was hooked! From there I got into the HR & IR double degree I wanted to do at uni and even got a lot of recognition for prior learning which allowed me to progress through my double degree quicker (which also saved extra uni fees!).
What do you know now, that you wish you'd known when you were at Radford?
I decided to leave Radford to finish year 11 and 12 elsewhere. If I had my time again I would have stayed at Radford as the change of environment was too great at such an important stage of your education.
What advice do you have for current students?
Try not to get too caught up in 'being perfect'. I have seen and hired a lot of school and uni graduates during my time in HR and I can honestly say that life experiences, enthusiasm, emotional maturity and cultural fit often outshine a grade on a piece of paper! Travel, experience and get involved in life.